A Prayer of Defense

de·fend
“resisting an attack made on someone or something; protecting from harm or danger”

Ecclesiastes 4:12a

12 Though one may be overpowered,

    two can defend themselves.

In almost every team sport, there is an offense and a defense. The function of the offensive team is to score, whereas the defense’s function is to stop the other team from scoring. The offense can win a game, but it’s the defense that can lose it. This is a truth in sports, in battle, and even in our church community. Working together, communicating, strategizing, working the play, and being intentional is what makes for an unstoppable force. 

But what exactly are we defending ourselves from? For each of us, it may be different. Some might be struggling with external forces: bullying, harassment, abuse, toxic environments, illnesses, loss, debt. Whereas, others might be facing a fight within; depression, anxiety, stress, addictions, suicidal thoughts, low self-worth. All of these and others are things that the devil is using to try to overpower us. But he doesn’t stop there: he uses shame as a way to keep us isolated and silent in our fight, convincing ourselves that if other’s knew what was really happening, that they would reject us. When we try to fight on our own, in silence, we are fighting a losing battle, BUT when we choose to live in community, being transparent with those around us, we can and will find victory in Jesus.  

Pray

1. Spend some time thanking God for how he is using or has used others in the past to help you through times when you needed someone “playing defense” for you. 

2. Ask God today for the courage to face your fears and struggles and to be transparent with your small group. 

3. Pray a prayer of equipping, and ask God to bring you people who can walk alongside you and fight this battle by your side.